Red Fort
Red
Fort is one of the most magnificent palaces in the world. India's history is
also closely linked with this fort. It was frorth here ht the British deposed
the last Mughal ruler, Bhadur Shah Zafar, marking the end of the three century
long Mughal rule. It was also fromits ramparts that the first prime. Minister
of India, pandit Jawharlal Nehru, announced to the nation that India was free
form colonial rule. The mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, after ruling from Agra for
eleven years, decided to shift to Delhi and laid the foundation stone of the
Red Fort in 1618. For its inauguration in 1647, the main halls of the palace
were draped in rich tapestry and covered with silk from china and velvet from
Turkey. With a circumference of almost one and a half miles, the fort is an
irregular octagon and has two entrances, the Lahore and Delhi Gates.
Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory with masonry instruments, built
in 1724 by Jai Singh, the mathematician and astronomer king. The Samrat or Yantra
supreme - the largest structure shaped like a right-angled triangle, is actually
a huge sun-dial; the other five instruments are intended to show the movements
of the sun, moon, etc
Qutub Minar
The Qutub Minar made of red sandstone rising to the height of 72.5mts is an
architectural marvel of the 13th century. Also a must is the visit to Ashoka
Pillar dating back to the 5th century. Though made of iron it has with stood
the weathers of time.A very interesting belief is assigned to this pillar- Stand
with your back to the pillar, and if you can hold your hands around it, then
make a wish and it will surely come true.
Raj Ghat
On
the banks of the river Yamuna is the Raj Ghat where the father of the nation
Mahatama Gandhi was cremated in 1948, soon after India attained it freedom.
Chandni Chowk
One of the main markets of Delhi, Chandni Chowk was once lined with beautiful
fountains. But today the place is very crowded and congested. Chandni Chowk
is located opposite the Red Fort. The Area has got the Digamber Jain Temple
which houses the Birds hospital. On one end of Chandni Chowk is the Fatehpuri
Mosque which was erected by the wives of Shah Jahan.
India Gate
Flanked by ornamental ponds and lawns, Rajpath is host to the Republic Day Parade.
The two secretariat buildings and Rashtrapati Bhawan on the Raisina hills are
located on the two sides of this immensely broad road. Previously the Boat Club,
besides the Rajpath, was host to many demonstrations and Rallies. India Gate
is towards the eastern end of Rajpath.
¤